Our Olympic football team awaits two major tasks in the next stage that require it and its Portuguese coach, Elidio Valle, to redouble their efforts in the coming period as the date of the two tasks approaches.
Al-Anabi Olympic began training in preparation for the Gulf Cup, where the team is currently training with the participation of 26 players.
The first task is to host Qatar’s Gulf Cup tournament for the U-23 Olympic teams, which is the first edition to be held under the umbrella of the Gulf Federation in Doha during the period from 4 to 16 December.
The second mission is the AFC U-23 Cup in Saudi Arabia during the period from January 6 to 24, 2026.
The Asian Championship is the most important for Al-Anabi, which participated a lot in the tournament and hosted it twice in 2016 and 2024, and has not had any luck in winning it so far, despite the distinguished elements and good capabilities it possesses.
The Gulf Cup tournament is also important and will contribute to preparing Al-Anabi Olympic team for Asia, especially since there are teams that play in the tournament and also play in the Asian Cup, such as Saudi Arabia, which signed him in the first Gulf group next to Bahrain and Kuwait, and also the teams of Iraq and the Emirates, which play in the second group next to Oman and Yemen.
As for the draw for the U-23 Asian Cup, Al-Anabi was placed in the second group alongside Japan, the Emirates, and Syria.
Al-Anabi Olympic Club is awaiting the schedule and timing of the Gulf Cup matches, although it is expected to begin its journey by meeting Kuwait, then Bahrain, then Saudi Arabia.
While the Asian Confederation has decided on the venues and timing of the Asian Championship matches, which Al-Anabi Olympic will begin against the UAE on January 7, then with Syria on January 10, at Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, then Japan on January 13, also at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah.
There is no doubt that the Portuguese Elidio Vale, coach of Annabi, has great experience in Annabi and Asian football, as he led the team on several occasions, most notably the Asian Games and the Asian U-23 Cup, and he became familiar with the competing teams and the strong conditions of the tournament.
It is certain that the Gulf Cup will be a good opportunity to prepare Al-Anabi for the Olympic Games in Asia, and it will be an opportunity to compete for the title, and to add a new achievement to Qatari football, which deserves such achievements, especially with its hosting of the tournament and international events that confirm the ingenuity and skill of the Qataris in organizing these global, international and regional events, and not least for our teams to be competitive and strong with the presence of loyal, loyal and loving fans who constantly support and stand behind all teams.
